Yumi Sakugawa is an Ignatz Awards nominated comic book artist. A graduate from the fine art program of University of California, Los Angeles, she lives in Los Angeles. Her comics have also appeared in The Believer, Bitch, the Best American NonRequired Reading 2014, The Rumpus, Folio, Fjords Review, and other publications.
Self portrait courtesy of the artist.
Yumi Sakugawa is one of the artists in the Journey-scapes art exhibition at the Gene Siskel in conjunction with the FAAIM 21st Annual Asian American Showcase April 1st through 14th, 2016. We asked her a few questions about her work and artistic journey!
What/Who inspires you?
Yoko Ono, Bjork, Frida Kahlo, Tavi Gevinson, Kim Chi, Aimee Bender, Miranda July, Haruki Murakami. Astrology, intense conversations with girlfriends, meditation, aimless walks in downtown Los Angeles, museums, outrageous fashion, coffee, the lunar cycle.
Images courtesy of the artist.
What are you working on right now?
I am in the midst of completing a fully illustrated, DIY lifestyle guide to young women that should be coming out in bookstores next year. I am also working on a multimedia installation that will be on display at the Smithsonian for a 3-day pop-up art event in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month. Also, a few secret projects involving the singularity, the creative process, toxic female friendships and cults.
Images courtesy of the artist.
How would you describe your artistic journey?
I feel like my artistic journey truly began on a deeper level when I discovered meditation and mindfulness practice eight years ago. Mindfulness is about embracing the present moment and celebrating what is now, who you are now. Every year is distilling myself into a more concentrated version of my true authentic spirit. Every year I am delighted and surprised by the new layers I keep discovering within myself, and the new voices I get to share with the world. The more I discover new things about myself, the more attuned I feel to a higher wisdom that is guiding me along where I need to be right here and right now.
See more of Yumi Sakugawa’s comics on www.yumisakugawa.com and acrosstheyumiverse.tumblr.com // Instagram & Twitter @yumisakugawa // Join us at Journey-scapes art exhibition opening Friday, April 1, 2016.